Junior Cycle Programme

Core Examination Subjects

Students follow Junior Cycle subject specifications across three years, developing knowledge, skills and understanding through learning outcomes, classroom activities, Classroom-Based Assessments and final examinations.

Core examination subjects include:

• English
• Irish
• Mathematics
• History
• Science

Core Non-Examination and Wellbeing Courses

Courses in this area support students’ social, personal, emotional and mental health and wellbeing, while also helping students develop important communication and life skills.

Courses include:

• Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE)
• Career Guidance modules
• Civic, Social and Political Education (CSPE)
• Physical Education (PE)

Junior Cycle Optional Subject Choices

Students also choose two optional subjects as part of their Junior Cycle programme. Option bands are created each year based on student preferences, subject availability and school timetabling.

Optional subjects may include:

Junior Cycle Short Courses

Students choose one of two short courses: Digital Media Literacy or Coding. Both courses provide practical opportunities to develop valuable digital, creative and problem-solving skills.

Digital Media Literacy

Digital Media Literacy helps students develop the knowledge and judgement needed to participate confidently and responsibly in the digital world. Students explore their own digital lives, follow interests online, learn how to check the reliability of information and consider how they present and publish themselves online.